June 28, 2017 at 4:17 p.m.
Try your hand at pickleball in Three Lakes
Try your hand at pickleball in Three Lakes
By Kayla Thomason-
The town will host its fourth annual pickleball tournament July 7, 8 and 9 at Burnside Park.
There will be exhibitions, clinics and practice from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday
On Saturday, the men's and women's doubles will be played starting at 9 a.m. until completion On Sunday, the mixed doubles teams will take the court from 9 a.m. to completion.
There will be eight textured, lighted outdoor courts for teams to play on. In the event of unfavorable weather, there are indoor courts.
The tournament is open to all ages and abilities. Participants must bring their own gear.
Registration is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, or 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. On-site registration will be on a space-available basis. All pre-registered participants get a free T-shirt.
The top three teams in each category will receive medals, with an awards ceremony following the completion of each category.
Last year's tournament drew 89 teams from eight states. Organizers are hoping for 96 teams this year.
"We are surprised and pleased with the growth of pickleball," said Chuck Radtke, promoter. "The Three Lakes Parks, School District, chamber, town and many individual and business sponsors have been most supportive and encouraging."
For those unfamiliar with the sport, pickleball is a blend of badminton, table tennis and tennis. The court is the same size as a badminton court, the net is like a tennis net but two inches lower, and Pickleball is played with paddles and a ball that is similar to a Wiffle ball.
Radtke enjoys the social aspects of the sport, the exercise, how affordable it is, and the friends he has made around the world.
Along with fun matches there will be concessions available, which are run by Three Lakes students' clubs.
Proceeds and donations will go to the further development of pickleball in Three Lakes.
Regular summer hours for pickleball are Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m., Mondays 9 to 11 a.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays are to be determined.
For more information, email Chuck Radtke at [email protected] or call (715) 546-8145, or Steve Dennis at [email protected] or call (715) 546-3989.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.